Tinos is the third in size island of Cyclades (194, 26 square km). The island comprises two Municipalities (Tinos and Exombourgo) and one Community (Panormos).

During the antiquity the island was named "Ofioussa" and "Idroussa” which mean abundance in snakes and water correspondingly. The word “Tinos” is of Phoenician origin. The island flourished during the mid-Cycladic period, according to excavations’ archaeological finds.

There is a written report about Tinos by a historian during the Persian Wars. Tinos was conquered by the Persians in 480 B.C. However during the sea battle of Salamis the admiral Panaitios, who was from Tinos, defected and informed the Greek people on the intentions of the Persians. As a result of this action, the name of Tinos was written, along with the names of other Greek cities, on the Tripod that the Greek people dedicated to Delphi after their victory against the Persians. The history of Tinos continues, and after the Persian Wars Tinos became a member of the A and B Athenian Alliance.

Then the island declined and passed successively in the sovereignty of Macedonians and later of Romans.

Tinos’ economy flourished during the first Byzantine years. The island faced depredatory attacks by the Saracens many times.

In 1207 A.C. the island passes under the Venetian domination, which continued for more than 500 years. During that period the capital of the island is in the castle of Santa Helena on mount Exombourgo, almost in the centre of the island and far from the beaches so as the enemies cannot approach it.

In 1715 A.C. Tinos falls in the sovereignty of Turks. The island was controlled by local notables with a Turkish “Cadi” and an “Aga”. From the beginning of the Greek Revolution the island plays a leading part in the Battle and is one of the first islands that are freed. In modern history the island is connected with the finding of the icon of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary and thus constitutes a pilgrimage site.

During the last years Tinos goes through a period of tourist development. To this, has greatly contributed the exceptional Cycladic landscape, the particular architecture and the many traditional settlements of the island. Marble art has also a long lasting tradition on the island, samples of which can be seen everywhere. Eminent are the dovecotes that are scattered all around the island and the hundreds of little churches.